Midland Innovation + Technology Charter School names first-ever principal
MIDLAND — A little over a month away from the grand opening of the new Midland Innovation + Technology Charter School, Terrence A. Smith was named the school's first-ever principal/head of school, according to a press release from the new charter school.
Smith, an Aliquippa native, was named principal/head of school at Midland Innovation + Technology Charter School on July 8 and has already assumed his role and is working with school leaders and organizers in developing curriculum, building the school schedule, and hiring faculty, according to the press release.
The Midland Innovation + Technology Charter School is southwestern Pennsylvania’s newest free public high school dedicated to authentic, hands-on learning in its four collaborative academies and nine career pathways, according to a press release from the charter school, which will open in September and will welcome students in grades 9 through 12 in the C. J. Betters Innovation Center in Midland.
At the charter school, the academies include the PGT Trucking Transportation + Logistics Academy, the Cyril H. Wecht Forensic Science + Justice Academy, the MITCS Community Development + Sustainability Academy, and the MITCS Skilled Trades + Technical Careers Academy.
Prior to landing with the Midland Innovation + Technology Charter School as the principal/head of school, Smith worked for the Woodland Hills School District in suburban Pittsburgh where he worked in a variety of administrative positions since 2015 including dean of students, assistant principal, and, most recently, principal of the Dickson Preparatory STEAM Academy.
Prior to his years at Woodland Hills, Smith served at the Southwestern Institute For Technology, Community College of Allegheny County, Mercy Behavioral Health Systems, the Wilkinsburg and Sto-Rox school districts, and at Summit Academy. Smith is a 1987 graduate of Clarion University, where he played and coached basketball. He earned his master of education administration at the University of Pittsburgh in 2009.
Lincoln Park names Midland native new principal
Midland native Roylin Petties is heading home.
Petties, 36, was named the new principal at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School (LPPACS) on July 21, landing the role thanks to a unanimous vote to approve him at the charter school's July board meeting. Petties replaces Dr. Lindsay Rodgers, who left the school in June to take a new position in Florida.
Prior to landing back home with LPPACS, Petties was formerly an assistant principal in the Butler School District. He has also served as an assistant principal in the Pittsburgh Public Schools system, and at the Big Beaver Falls School District.
“I am excited to serve in what I call the ‘Crown Jewel of Midland,’” Petties said in a press release from Lincoln Park announcing his hiring. “I am well aware of the educational excellence of Lincoln Park, and as principal, I plan to continue to build on that great foundation of excellence.”
Petties received his master of education degree in educational leadership and administration from PennWest Edinboro University. He received a bachelor of education degree from Slippery Rock University. He becomes the third principal in Lincoln Park’s 16-year history.
Lincoln Park CEO P.K. Poling stated that he believes Petties will be an outstanding addition to the school.
“Our board and administration are very excited to have Mr. Petties as our new principal,” Poling said in a press release announcing the hiring of Petties. “We know he will bring what he has learned from his other administrative experiences back home to Midland. He’ll help our faculty and staff continue to provide a great student experience at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School.”
Contact Joshua Carney at jcarney@gannett.com or 724-681-9136. Follow Joshua on Twitter: @ByJoshCarney
This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Midland Innovation + Technology Charter School names first principal
